Next selection deadline: Spring 2025
Your Timeline For Success
With ESA BIC, space startups get up to €60,000 zero-equity funding for the development of their idea, receive technical support by the European Space Agency (ESA) or partners, and get extensive business support by SBIC. Please read the instructions on this page carefully & start preparing your application at any time! In advance of applying, we recommend that you speak with our team and you can also get application tips via the ESA BIC Open House sessions. In this way, you can ask any questions before submitting your space business proposal.
Discover your space at ESA BIC
ESA BIC Noordwijk offers technical, business and financial support to startups that use space technology for terrestrial applications or are developing a product or service for the space industry.
ESA BIC Noordwijk is part of a network of 32 ESA BICs across Europe, which was first established to empower entrepreneurship and to allow local economies to benefit from space data and technologies. The Dutch incubator, the first in the network, was officially founded at ESA/ESTEC in 2004 before relocating to its new home at SBIC Noordwijk in 2011. Read about the first 20 years of the ESA BIC network here.
The 2-year programme is managed by a local partner and for the Netherlands that is us: the Space Business Innovation Centre Noordwijk. The non-equity funding comes from ESA under the authorisation of the Netherlands Space Office (NSO).
Why should you participate?
- This is the ESA BIC hub for commercialisation of space technology for entrepreneurs based in the Netherlands.
- The programme helps you go from idea to prototype or market introduction.
- You’ll work in an innovative, high-tech entrepreneurial environment.
- You are close to ESA’s biggest R&D facility, ESTEC (the European Space Research and Technology Centre).
What do you get?
Technical support
Up to 80 hours of technical support (from the European Space Agency and/or partners)
Zero-equity funding
Up to €60,000 Incentive Funding for product development and patents
Business support
Community
Access to the international ESA Commercialisation Gateway community and SBIC alumni network
Exclusive events
Investors
Door opener to international investors
via EBAN
Training
International exposure
Contracted incubations
Technical support hours per startup
%
of businesses still exist today
What are the benefits of joining ESA BIC?
- Incentive funding up to €60,000 for product development and IPR
- Up to 80 hours technical support via ESA or SBIC technical partners
- Business development support, advice and coaching
- IP consulting
- Exclusive access workshops, seminars, training
- Exclusive introductions and access to international events
- Access to the ESA Commercialisation Gateway community
- Preferential access to office facilities, experts, suppliers and investment capital
What fields of application are possible?
- Environmental monitoring
- Satellite navigation / mobile services
- Earth observation
- Mobility (road – sea – air)
- Satellite communication
- Agriculture
- Energy
- Robotics / mechatronics
- Materials
- Hardware / software
- & more!
Who can apply?
- People with innovative (& validated) ideas based on space tech or data
- Startups not older than 5 years or that need to be founded yet
- Anyone that doesn’t have a prototype* or market introduction yet; and
- Citizens of an ESA member state resident in the Netherlands (for non-ESA member state citizens: you must have a working permit or startup visa, and be resident in the Netherlands)
*If you already have a prototype-in-progress internally, that is fine
What is expected?
- Commit to taking an active role in the community of entrepreneurs*
- Rent a spot for your company at the HQ of SBIC Noordwijk
- Be at your office or flex desk at the SBIC HQ at least twice a week
- Contribute to the space business programme organised by SBIC & ESA
- Join the regular events held by SBIC, NL Space Campus & ESA
- Take full advantage of the exclusive opportunities that are only available to ESA BIC incubatees
*ESA BIC startups are at the very heart of our space business community
What alumni say about ESA BIC Noordwijk:
ESA BIC Noordwijk creates an environment where the community is really important. All other businesses can learn from each other and that’s something I really liked about it. Next to that, the sessions with experts they hosted were all relevant.
The ESA BIC brand is great for building trust and relations – it’s a seal of approval within the sector basically.
On paper, building a space business seems simple, but it isn’t. With the right support, from friends, family, employees and SBIC, I am sure you can make it to the finish and start to make some impact if you persevere. As an alumnus, Lens R&D is proud to be associated with ESA BIC Noordwijk!
ESA BIC Application Process
Applying for ESA BIC is quite the process, so it’s important to take your time and start preparing well in advance of the next seletion deadline. To apply, follow the steps below. & feel free to join the (not compulsory) info sessions (2025 dates TBC) to receive top tips for completing your application successfully and increase your chances of being selected for incubation.
Pre-step 1: Commit to joining our space community
Before applying, read our blog about what we expect from you.
Pre-step 2: Define the space connection of your idea
A valid space connection is required for all applications. To help assess the space connection, you can fill in this form.
Pre-step 3: Make contact with our team
Arrange for an informal one-on-one introduction with Martijn Leinweber: schedule your appointment (or send an email or WhatsApp message if you already have the contact details)
Pre-step 4: Join info session(s) to discover more
Queries about the programme or seeking application tips? The informal info sessions are the place to head to: details here (2025 dates TBC).
Once the above pre-steps have successfully been completed, you can next proceed to progress with your ESA BIC application:
Step 1: Carefully read through all the documentation
We supply all the files in the Permanent Open Call (POC) documents. You can download the files via this page.
Step 2: Complete the application
Fill in the Business Application Proposal (BAP) documents:
Template Cover Letter
Template Business Plan
Template Incubation Proposal
Related appendices
Step 3: Submit your application before the deadline
You can share your application documents at any time (no need to wait until the next selection deadline in Spring 2025). Please send to: application@esa-bic.nl.
Note: If you wish your application documents to receive a pre-check, you can opt to submit by the soft deadline 1 week prior.
Step 4: Wait for confirmation
All proposals are first reviewed on formal requirements by the Tender Opening Board. This will be done within a week after the selection deadline. If all is good, pitching comes next.
Step 5: Pitch your business plan
You will present your company and idea to the Tender Evaluation Board (TEB), which includes representatives of ESA, NSO, SBIC partners and ESA BIC programme management. The TEB takes place about 2 weeks after the selection deadline.
Step 6: LIFT OFF!
The sooner you make contact with our team, the likelihood of a successful application increases. We are here to help you through the application process. Get in touch (with “ESA BIC” in the subject line) if you have questions after reading the FAQ.
Stay Updated
You can register your interest in ESA BIC Noordwijk by clicking the checkbox at the end of the news sign up form. You will receive notifications of the selection deadlines and info sessions, along with any “application tips” messages that get sent!
Discover the Graduates of our Programme!
Let’s travel back in time…
…and see all the space related businesses we’ve supported over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline exactly?
Applications are welcome until 23h59 on the deadline date.
Do I need to have participated in pre-incubation events?
No. We recommend you attend the info sessions, with tips on completing a successful application, but they aren’t obligatory.
Which reference number should I use in the application?
You can come up with your own – just like an invoice number.
How do I know if my product or service needs space technology and where can I find space technology?
The space link is a very important requirement in order to join the ESA BIC. For investigating patents, please take a look at ESA’s Space IP or the ESA Commercialisation Gateway website to discover technology transfer applications and businesses using space technologies. You can initially use our online form for your space connection assessment.
I am not developing something for the space sector but for another sector, do I still qualify as a space related startup?
Does the company’s business model rely on data or service derived from a space asset? Does it fail to operate if the space asset is not available? If yes, then it’s a “space related startup”.
May funding from the ESA BIC Noordwijk programme be used to pay salaries or rent for office space?
No. The incentive (funding) can only be used for intellectual property rights (IPR) and product development. A small part of the incentive can be used for marketing.
The manufacturer for our prototype is in another country, and the product is already being designed. Can the funding still be used to finance the development?
Only in exceptional circumstances, when the product cannot be found in the Netherlands. In this case, spending the incentive abroad could be possible if upfront approval from the incubation manager is received. As a general rule, the ESA BIC Noordwijk funding can only be spent in the Netherlands.
What are “support entities”?
Support entities are companies, governments or knowledge institutes who are supporting you, with expertise and/or money.
What’s the programme outline?
We offer you general and tailored business, financial and technical support. But you make your own planning through the creation of several Work Packages. It’s up to you to create a feasible outline, and be open to suggestions from the ESA BIC Noordwijk team and network partners.
What happens after I applied?
If your application meets the basic requirements, you will receive an invitation within a week. Then, you will give a presentation to the Tender Evaluation Board (TEB) which will be held around three weeks after the deadline.
The results of the TEB will be given to you within three weeks. If you are selected you will receive an invitation for negotiations regarding the ESA BIC Noordwijk programme.
Why is it mandatory to have parts of the team permanently located in Noordwijk during incubation?
In our vision, an incubator is more than just a place to work. It is also a hub where you can meet other entrepreneurs and partners, share knowledge and attend events. When you’re here, you can collaborate with us and other startups, and we hope you’ll be active in the community.
We believe face-to-face contact is the way to go. That’s why we ask (and strongly encourage) you and your team to be present in Noordwijk at least two days per week. This applies to at least the founding team. We want more than “50% of the shares” present so we can communicatie with the decision makers in meetings for instance.
What are the office space costs during incubation?
As part of incubation, your business needs to be incorporated at SBIC Noordwijk and you will be part of the community. You will need to pay a reception and post box service fee.
For office space, we want your team to have at least a flex desk. For each additional founder and/or core team member, a community membership is required (giving access to flex desks twice a week). It is also possible to rent a dedicated desk or a private office. Learn about all the office space options in our co-working space.
Who can use the ESA BIC branding?
Incubated startups or alumni of the programme are eligible to use the approved “ESA BIC Noordwijk” logo. Noone else has permission to use the logo. No participants or companies can use the “ESA” branding alone in relation to this programme.
Which companies are in the Tender Evaluation Board?
The TEB consists of ESA, NSO and SBIC Noordwijk, with possible input from our incubation partners Rabobank and Wecountancy, as well as other network partners. We do not disclose the people and organisations involved beforehand.
How can I improve my chances on getting selected?
When your business is too early stage, we recommend go to an accelerator programme first, like PLNT. When you already have a business idea and want to make sure you and ESA are a good match: enter our pre-incubation Ignition Programme. If you are unsuccessful in the Spring ESA BIC application round, you may be encouraged to develop your idea further during the Summer Ignition Programme. You may then choose to submit a new application to the Fall ESA BIC application round.
What do I need to know when I move to the Netherlands?
You can find more information about daily life, work and immigration on the Welcome to NL website.
I don’t have a startup visa yet. Can I still apply?
Yes, but as a startup visa facilitator, we can only support you in getting one when we have a signed incubation contract with you and your business.
Incubation & Technical Partners
Lift off your business!
Give your space business the edge it needs. Apply to ESA BIC Noordwijk.
You can always book a meeting for an introduction to the programme.